In-town pool report #14 - POTUS concludes/Quotes

POTUS was asked about how NATO allies can "make things better."

He expressed how he has been “disappointed” with his NATO allies over Iran, though he repeated his respect for Rutte.

"We were let down, we didn't need help on this at all. We demolished them in literally the first week, but it would have been nice if they would have said, 'We'd like to help.'"

Rutte did try to differentiate between the U.S.'s bilateral commitments with some countries and NATO commitments.

POTUS predicted possible British PM Andy Burnham wouldn't last long because he’s "extremely liberal."

Was asked about the power of New York City Mayor Zohran’ endorsement and its influence compared to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

"They beat a guy named Dan Goldman. Loser. He was one of my prosecutors, one of my many prosecutors that they used on me. Dan Goldman, not a good prosecutor, fortunately, but he's now looking for a job."

Was asked what that means for 2028.

“It should make it easier for Republicans.”

"If you look throughout history, go back thousands of years, you've always had socialism and communism by different names. It's never ever worked, it's not going to work this time."

Was asked about his message to Turkey before the NATO summit and if he was taking a "gift bag" to the meeting.

Of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: "He's a friend of mine, and he stayed out of the war."

"I love the US, but he loves Turkey, and he's doing a great job."

Was asked about what he wants from allies.

"I just want their loyalty. We don't need their money, we don't need anything. We have the most powerful military in the world by far, but I just want loyalty."

Was asked about whether Ukraine is winning against Russia.

Of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: "He's doing pretty well. He's holding his own, at least

Was asked about the US investigation into the strike on the Iranian school.

"I don't know that they're ever going to solve that problem, in terms of whose fault was it, because there were missiles flying all over the place."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth added the Pentagon was taking the investigation "very seriously" and that its findings would be released at the "appropriate time."

Was asked whether he would be open to a compromise SAVE America Act with provisions in reconciliation 3.0.

"No."

Was asked about whether he would veto the housing bill, but reiterated that he is not signing it.

"I know housing better than anybody, maybe anywhere. It's all about the interest rate. Lower the interest rates, you can have all the housing you want."

"I don't want to hurt people that own houses, too."

Downplayed the prospect of Burnham visiting the White House.

On whether a final Iran deal would have any kind of fees on shipping or maritime activity through the Strait of Hormuz.

"I wouldn't allow it there either."

Was asked about munitions building in Europe.

Was asked about Congress' Iran War resolution.

"We're doing great in our negotiations with Iran."

Was asked about Mamdani being more influential than Schumer.

“Chuck Schumer, who was a strong supporter of Israel, and he's become 100% Palestinian. In fact, I've asked for a beautiful, beautiful silk outfit to be set in the Palestinian tradition. I'm going to send it to him as a birthday present.”

Was asked what would secure the F35 deal with Turkey.

VP JD Vance was asked to respond instead.

“We're running the traps and confirming that's happened. This is really a congressional thing, and ensuring that Turkey has complied with American law,” Vance said.

Was asked about the DOJ investigation into gas prices.

"We are not seeing anything at the pump by comparison to what it should be. We should be, in my opinion, at $2.25 right now."

Confirmed he had spoken to oil executives.

"I told them, 'Don't gouge our people.'"

Confirmed he had been asked to present the World Cup at the final.

Was not sure whether the Reflecting Pool would be fixed by July 4.

Previewed tonight’s rally.

POTUS stopped speaking at 5 p.m. and pool was ushered out shortly afterward.

Vance, Hegseth, NATO Ambassador Ben Whittaker, Witkoff, Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Cain, and Natalie Harp were also in the Oval.

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Naomi Lim

White House Reporter

Washington Examiner